Are there helpful and unhelpful aspects to the war themes often heard in the words we use to talk about cancer
When someone is coping with a cancer diagnosis, words matter tremendously. In this Discussion Forum assignment, you are asked to read both short articles and respond to the prompts for ONE of them..
In your responses to a classmate, please choose to review at least one post from someone who focused on the other article and explore the topic further, including your own reactions.
TOPIC A: WINNERS AND LOSERS
In oncology, terms with war themes are commonly heard. “Battling cancer”, “losing his fight” are terms that equate cancer treatment with fighting a war. These phrases are closely held by patients as well as providers but can come with hidden costs. Read the article, “Words Matter: Why Cancer Isn’t a Game of Winners or Losers” (Ennis-O\’Connor, 2019) and respond to the below prompts. https://powerfulpatients.org/2019/04/24/words-matter-why-cancer-isnt-a-game-of-winners-or-losers/
Describe your reaction to this article.
Are there helpful and unhelpful aspects to the war themes often heard in the words we use to talk about cancer? Discuss your response.
As an oncology social worker, what could you do to support the patient/family/caregiver struggling with these terms (ex. “failing” or “giving up” treatment, “losing” their battle)?
Ennis-O’Connor, M. (2019). Words matter: why cancer isn’t a game of winners or losers. Patient Empowerment Network. Retrieved from https://powerfulpatients.org/2019/04/24/words-matt…
TOPIC B: POSITIVITY
An oncology social worker will commonly hear the expectation of “positivity” or keeping “a positive attitude” placed on patients. Sometimes patients expect this of themselves, sometimes the expectation is given by family or friends and sometimes even strangers or the media. But the sentiment is often, \”people say/I think/media says I should be positive and I just don\’t feel positively about this experience\”.? Read the article, “Attitudes and Cancer” (American Cancer Society, 2014) and respond to the below prompts. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorship-during-and-after-treatment/coping/attitudes-and-feelings-about-cancer.html
Describe your reaction to this article.
Are there helpful and unhelpful aspects to the expectation of positivity? Discuss your response.
As an oncology social worker, what could you do to support the patient/family/caregiver who is struggling to “be positive”?
American Cancer Society. (2014) Attitudes and cancer. Atlanta, GA: Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-basics/attitu…
Requirements: 500 words
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